(a) Licensees and other entities that implement an FFD program under this subpart must audit their programs at a frequency that ensures the continuing effectiveness of their FFD program, FFD program elements that are provided by C/Vs, and the FFD programs of C/Vs that are accepted by the licensee or other entity. Corrective actions must be taken as soon as reasonably practicable to resolve any problems identified in an audit and preclude recurrence.

(b) The subject matter, scope, and frequency of audits must be revised as necessary to improve or maintain program performance based on annual FFD program performance data reviews performed under § 26.617(d) and unsatisfactory performance or programmatic weaknesses identified under § 26.617(b)(3) and (e).

(c) Licensees and other entities may conduct joint audits or accept audits of C/Vs so long as the audit addresses the relevant services of the C/Vs.

(d) Licensees and other entities must audit HHS-certified laboratories unless the licensee's or other entity's panel of drugs and drug metabolites to be tested is equivalent to the panel by which the laboratory is certified by HHS or is subject to the standards and procedures for drug testing and evaluation used by the laboratory under the HHS Guidelines. Licensees and other entities must audit any hospital or other facility licensed by the State (or State-designated entity) if used to conduct specimen collections and perform alcohol testing under this part on a biennial basis to confirm that the facility procedures are comparable to those described in subpart E of this part, for urine and oral fluid.